National Charity to Help Tackle Domestic Violence

National charity Changing Lives has successfully been awarded the contract to deliver the domestic abuse service in Blackburn with Darwen.

Building on the charity’s extensive track record of successful projects across Northern England this new contract will allow the pioneering and innovative work to expand to Blackburn and Darwen by providing specialist support to vulnerable people and their families. Our vision is to implement positive, lasting changes that will enable all to be free from the cycles of abuse.

Specialist domestic abuse advisors will help adults and children affected by violence work towards safety and security. It will include practical help such as safety planning and emotional support in the form of a specialist Freedom programme. This will also include collaborative working with a wide range of supporting organisations locally.

A Sanctuary Scheme will provide resources and help for people looking to leave or who have recently left a violent home. The scheme aims to help individuals and families live more safely in their own homes and minimise disruption if they choose to leave.

The programme will also provide training for professionals and a specialist scheme for perpetrators who want to address and challenge their violent behaviour on a voluntary basis.

Laura Seebohm, Director of Women and Criminal Justice at Changing Lives, responsible for the programme explains:

“Working in partnership with the local authority to address domestic abuse is a really positive development for Changing Lives, but more importantly for the people and families we’re all aiming to support. Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council has some really innovative ideas for creating a new approach for a domestic abuse provision for all their residents. Ultimately here at Changing Lives, we want to address the long-term causes of domestic abuse through supporting everyone affected. Perpetrators have got to be part of that programme if we are to work towards breaking the cycle of abuse and helping to change lives for the better.”

Councillor Pat McFall adds:

“As you all know I’m passionate about the work I lead on as Chair of the Domestic Abuse Strategic Board and as Councillor for the borough. Partnership working is critical to effectively respond to the issues highlighted and ultimately to end all forms of violence against men and women. I want to welcome Changing Lives into Blackburn with Darwen and I look forward to working alongside them in future.”

 For more information about Changing Lives and the services they provide, please visit www.changing-lives.org.uk or call 0191 273 8891.